Mercer Transportation
$150,000 - $280,000+ gross (owner-operators)OTR, Flatbed, Specialized, Owner-Operator
Moderate Demand
Owner Operator Jobs in Kentucky
Browse owner-op trucking positions across Kentucky with top carriers hiring now.
Average Pay
$143,000 - $285,000+ gross
Demand Level
Moderate
Top Carriers
5+ Hiring
Key Cities
5+ Markets
Owner-Op Trucking in Kentucky
Kentucky offers owner-operators strong freight diversity with automotive, retail, and agricultural loads available year-round. Lower operating costs compared to the Northeast help maximize net income. The market for independent operators in Kentucky is moderate, with multiple freight brokers and load boards showing strong load availability.
Top Companies Hiring Owner-Op Drivers in KY
View Company
Landstar System
$150,000 - $300,000+ gross (owner-operators)OTR, Flatbed, Specialized, Owner-Operator
Roadrunner Transportation
$58,000 - $88,000OTR, Regional, LTL, Owner-Operator
Anderson Trucking Service
$65,000 - $95,000OTR, Regional, Flatbed, Specialized, Owner-Operator
Covenant Transport
$50,000 - $80,000OTR, Regional, Dedicated, Team, Expedited
Driving jobs we are recruiting for in Kentucky
Each of these is a live posting with the pay, home time and requirements set out in full. Applying takes about a minute.
OTR Dry Van Driver
$55,000 - $78,000/year · Out 2–3 weeks
OTR Reefer Driver
$60,000 - $85,000/year · Out 2–3 weeks
OTR Flatbed Driver
$61,500 - $87,000/year · Out 1–2 weeks
OTR Step Deck Driver
$63,000 - $88,500/year · Out 1–2 weeks
OTR Tanker Driver
$63,500 - $89,500/year · Out 1–2 weeks
OTR Hazmat Driver
$65,000 - $92,000/year · Out 1–2 weeks
OTR Car Hauler Driver
$66,000 - $93,500/year · Out 2–3 weeks
OTR Oversized Driver
$69,500 - $98,000/year · Out 2–3 weeks
Regional Intermodal Driver
$56,000 - $79,500/year · Home weekly
Local Box Truck Driver
$46,500 - $65,500/year · Home daily
Regional Dump Truck Driver
$52,500 - $74,000/year · Home most nights
Local Cement Mixer Driver
$53,000 - $74,500/year · Home daily
OTR Hotshot Driver
$57,500 - $81,000/year · Out 1–2 weeks
Regional Less Than Truckload Driver
$58,500 - $82,500/year · Home weekly
OTR Power Only Driver
$55,000 - $78,000/year · Out 2–3 weeks
Local Straight Truck Driver
$45,000 - $64,000/year · Home daily
Top Cities for Owner-Op Jobs in Kentucky
Louisville
Kentucky
Lexington
Kentucky
Covington
Kentucky
Bowling Green
Kentucky
Paducah
Kentucky
Key Freight Routes in Kentucky
1
I-65 (Louisville to Nashville)
2
I-75 (Covington/Cincinnati to Tennessee)
3
I-64 (Louisville to Lexington and West Virginia)
Requirements for Owner-Op Driving in KY
- Valid CDL-A license with 2+ years verifiable experience
- Own or lease a truck meeting carrier/DOT specifications
- Active motor carrier authority (MC number) or willingness to lease onto a carrier
- Current IFTA registration and fuel tax compliance
- Commercial auto liability insurance ($1M minimum for most carriers)
- Clean CSA scores and satisfactory safety rating
Start Your Owner-Op Driving Career in Kentucky
Submit your application and get matched with companies hiring owner-op drivers in KY.
Owner-Op Trucking Jobs in Kentucky — FAQs
How much do owner-op truck drivers make in Kentucky?
Owner-Op truck drivers in Kentucky earn $143,000 - $285,000+ gross annually, depending on experience, endorsements, and carrier. While base pay in Kentucky is near the national average, the lower cost of living means take-home pay stretches further than in coastal states. Sign-on bonuses are widely advertised in this market, but the amount, the qualifying period and the clawback terms differ by carrier — read the offer letter rather than the recruiting ad, and ask when the money actually lands.
Is Kentucky a good state to base an owner-operator business?
Kentucky offers moderate freight volumes for owner-operators, with balanced inbound and outbound freight that minimizes deadhead miles. Operating costs including fuel, permits, and insurance should be factored against the state's load-to-truck ratio when choosing a home base.
Are trucking companies in Kentucky hiring owner-op drivers in 2026?
Yes — owner-op driver demand in Kentucky is moderate heading into 2026. The owner-op segment in Kentucky is expanding, with carriers adding routes and increasing hiring as freight volumes grow. Check individual carrier listings for current openings and application requirements in KY.